Bob Dylan knew it in 1964, and it’s still true 56 years later. Life as we lived it December 31, 2019, has dramatically changed forever. For good and for less than good.

Priorities have changed.

Friends and family are more important than ever. Or, at least we recognize the importance of those we love and turn to for support, for laughs, for connection. Face Time helps but it will never replace the love felt when holding that new grandbaby in your arms. Or being able to hold the hand of an elderly parent, neighbor, friend. We are tactile beings and cluster animals. We need to bring our cluster together to hold and squeeze and look in their eyes.

Family Time has been redefined. What often was an evening or weekend focus is now 24/7. And even though facebook posts and blogs reveal the frustration and exhaustion of continual togetherness, they also showcase the new emotional closeness that physical closeness brings. Backyard campouts and driveway birthday parties are bringing everyone new learnings, understandings and sensitivity. Kids are learning to take out the garbage and make their beds while dads are dancing with daughters and braiding hair, moms are playing hoops and chess, and brothers and sisters are learning coping skills even while making each other crazy.

For me, Me Time is less guilt-ridden. Sitting quietly to read with a glass of wine close at hand is my sport. A nap in the middle of the day does not need to be explained especially to my overactive sense of responsibility. Making a batch of chocolate chip cookies for no reason – it’s not a holiday or a birthday or a potluck – is as healthy as grilling a steak. Well, maybe not healthy in the Mayo Clinic definition but it triggers endorphins which create a sense of well-being which makes me much happier and thus healthier. That’s Science.

Silence brings new sounds. I can’t take any more TV rattling so now Mozart and Glenn Miller and Phantom of the Opera fill my space becoming the musical score of my new reality.

Nature brings new surprises. I’ve been watching a nearby Osprey nest for months but it seems everyone has flown the coop. Minutes ago, loud chirping interrupted my typing. Two osprey flew directly by the lanai to let me know they were still neighbors. And earlier in the morning, a magnificent red cardinal stopped on the very edge of the lanai (screen is firmly in place) just to say hello. First time this has ever happened. Probably on his way to Michigan.

I admit, I’m growing tired of so much sameness to each day. I could break up the monotony by washing down the lanai or even giving the dogs a bath – both are on my To Do list. I did pay bills yesterday and I’ve started back on my Swedish Family Cookbook so I feel some redemption for my lack of direction. And while I’m anxious for this Stay At Home directive to end, there’s a nagging part of me that worries I won’t finish the To Do List before the doors are flung open. Will Malaise be the real virus that gets me?

I guess I’ll worry about that later. Right now I need to make that batch of chocolate chip cookies I mentioned earlier. It’s action and it’s the endorphin trigger that is desperately needed today.

Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and Happy Spring to all!

Share what is changing most in your life – a new habit you plan to make a permanent priority in the future. And be sure to check the box below to be notified of new postings. I will try to be more consistent next week!